APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application Review Process

The following process will occur within 2 months of the application deadline:

The grant application is received.

The CIF Grants Administrator will review all applications to confirm basic eligibility requirements are met and the application is complete. Applicants may be contacted to provide clarification or further detail on their budget or proposed project.

Eligible applications will then be forwarded to the relevant Adjudication Committee based on the location and/or type of project. The CIF's Adjudication Committees are composed of volunteers from across the province with a range of knowledge and experience relevant to the CIF's funding objectives.

Recommendations from the Adjudication Committees are forwarded to the CIF Board for final approval.

Applicants will receive notification of the outcomes of their funding requests 2 months after the application deadline.

Funding recommendations will be determined based on a competitive, merit-based process. Requests for funding regularly exceed the dollars available and not every eligible application will receive funding. Funding provided in one year does not guarantee funding will be awarded in subsequent years. The amount approved for each project may be less than the amount requested, and will be based on how closely the project meets grant criteria, eligibility of expenses, the number of requests received, and consideration for providing support across the province.

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

The project is aligned with one or more Program Funding Themes and Priorities.

The application is complete. All questions must be answered and responses should provide enough information for the adjudication committee to make a recommendation.

The proposed expenses for the project are eligible under the Program Guidelines.

The application identifies a demonstrated need or community priority.

The proposed project is designed to address the need or issue. The project is feasible, will reach its intended audience, and is likely to achieve the expected benefits and outcomes for participants.

The project complements other community initiatives. The project involves partnerships, is not a duplication of services, and has community support.

The project includes an evaluation plan for determining its success and the outcomes achieved by participants.

The budget is realistic and supports the project design and key activities. The application demonstrates rationale for the funding requested and how other financial resources will be secured to support the project.

The project benefits smaller, rural or Northern communities; First Nations people living off-reserve; Métis people; newcomers; and/or those facing barriers to participation.